PDP Faction Defies Police Blockade, Endorses Jonathan for 2027 Presidency

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, on Saturday ratified former President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after relocating its convention venue following a police blockade of the original location in Abuja.

The faction’s convention, which lasted less than 20 minutes, was moved to an undisclosed venue after security operatives reportedly denied delegates access to the A-Class Event Centre in Wuse 2, Abuja, where the gathering was initially scheduled to hold.

At the convention, a certificate of nomination was presented on behalf of Jonathan and received by his ally, Fred Agbedi.

Among those present at the event were Jerry Gana, Turaki, Adolphus Wabara and other party stakeholders aligned with the faction.

The development followed a heavy police presence around the original venue, with security vehicles reportedly blocking access roads leading to the facility from both the Wuse and Maitama axes of the Federal Capital Territory.

The action prevented delegates, party members and other road users from accessing the area.

The controversy comes a day after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned hotels and event centres against hosting what he described as illegal political gatherings, citing security concerns in Abuja.

In a statement issued before the convention, the PDP faction accused Wike of attempting to frustrate the gathering through pressure on the management of the event centre.

According to the party, it had fully paid for the venue and complied with all requirements for the event. It also stated that relevant security agencies had been formally notified of the planned convention.

Despite the disruption, the faction insisted that its convention would proceed and described the actions against it as intimidation.

Saturday’s ratification of Jonathan is expected to further deepen the leadership crisis within the opposition party, as rival factions continue to battle for control of the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of press time, Jonathan had not publicly reacted to the endorsement or indicated whether he would accept the nomination.